Chelsea fans will not need reminding of the importance that comes with a trip to Tottenham in the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca currently has his young and exciting side in second place, on the brink of mounting a serious challenge to win the title this season.
Even the players who are not regularly starting games have shown they can certainly make an impact when called upon, shown by the dominant win over Southampton earlier this week.
That performance has left the manager with a number of decisions to make on Sunday, and The Chelsea Chronicle have predicted the side who will take on Spurs.
Enzo Maresca, Manager of Chelsea, gestures during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on December 0...
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Chelsea predicted XI vs Tottenham
Despite Filip Jorgensen impressing during the week at St. Mary’s, Maresca has confirmed Robert Sanchez will start between the sticks on Sunday.
At right-back, Moises Caicedo will again make the shift into the defensive line, allowing him to transition seamlessly into midfield.
The injury to Wesley Fofana will see consecutive starts for Tosin Adarabioyo in the defensive line.
He will be partnered by near ever-present Levi Colwill, who was afforded a complete rest during the week.
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At left-back, Marc Cucurella will be hoping to keep up his very impressive start to the season with another top display.
Romeo Lavia didn’t feature against his former side on Wednesday, but will be back in the starting side to take on their London rivals.
He will be joined in the middle of the park by Enzo Fernandez, who is beginning to have a real impact in terms of goal contributions for the Blues.
Ahead of those two will be Cole Palmer, who will again be looking to influence play and run proceedings for Chelsea.
Noni Madueke’s brilliant performance against Southampton will see him earn a start back on the right wing, as he looks to answer Maresca’s challenge of consistently providing for the Blues.
On the opposite wing, Pedro Neto will return to the starting side after causing problems down both wings in his last appearance against Aston Villa.
Up front, Nicolas Jackson will displace Christopher Nkunku despite his goal and assist in the week against the Saints.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Tottenham: Sanchez; Caicedo, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Lavia, Enzo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Caicedo’s record at right-back
Clearly the biggest call Maresca would make here would be starting Caicedo at right-back, despite the fact he has been one of the better midfielders in the Premier League this season.
The Ecuadorian played this role when he lined up against Villa, with him putting in a brilliant performance that allowed both Lavia and Fernandez to also flourish.
Moises Caicedo vs Aston Villa Total
Touches 76
Passes 56/64
Chances Created 3
Recoveries 7
Duels won 4
While many were thinking Chelsea’s way forward was with Caicedo and Lavia partnering each other, Fernandez’s glistening form has seen him return to the forefront of Maresca’s mind, and this is certainly a way of getting the three of them to all feature.
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